25 Reasons to Run Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas

There are thousands of reasons, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 25 reasons why you have to runRock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas at least once in your lifetime.

1. YOU GET TO SLEEP IN RACE MORNING

With a 4:30pm race start for the marathon & 1/2 marathon (4:00pm for the 10K), unlike all other races, you get to sleep in! Yes, if you’re a racing regular, you need to change up your schedule a bit, but you’ll no doubt be well awake by the time the starting gun goes off! Plenty of time for a good breakfast, ample stretching, and pump-up tunes in your hotel room!

2. THE RUNNER TAKEOVER

There is no better feeling than being a part of a massive weekend. Over 40,000 people from 50 states and 85 countries, all coming to run — and take over — the famed Las Vegas Strip at Night. No cars or taxis, just you and your running shoes.

3. THE STRIP

Whether you’re riding in a taxi from the airport, walking the sidewalk from casino to casino, or reveling at it from atop the High Roller Wheel, there is nothing in the world like this 4.2-mile stretch of neon beauty. And when you run the Strip at night, you get it all to yourself!

4. THE HOTELS

15 of the world’s 25 largest hotels wrap The Strip, housing over 150,000 hotel rooms. And the best part? They know darn well it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon weekend, so you can proudly rock your Elvis costumes, tutus, and running gear while strutting through the lobby.

5. THE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Everywhere you turn, there is someone or something around you that is photo-worthy. From running alongside a showgirl to racing past New York or Paris, your run will be Insta-worthy. Just take a look at what people tagged with#StripatNightlast year for a good summary of the story of race weekend.

7. THE FOOD

Rated top-ten in the country for great food, and for good reason. Pick any top celebrity chef and they’ve got their name on something in Las Vegas. Into wine? There are more master sommeliers in Las Vegas than Los Angeles and New York City combined.

8. THREE-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

It’s the biggest (and longest)Health and Fitness Expo the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series hosts, and for good reason — it’s your first stop of the weekend! 100+ vendors, epic merchandise, and photo opportunities galore to get the weekend party started.

9. THE T-SHIRTS

We always shoot to make ourRock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas merchandise flashy, to embody the spirit of what is the flashiest city in the world. Check out our 2017 t-shirtdesigns for a taste of Vegas, where you can stand out as much as the neon lights lining the Strip!

10. THE SATURDAY 5K

The Las Vegas 5K is the perfectdistanceto shake out to on Saturday night, and to get the friends and family involved who are tagging along for the weekend. Bring your glow sticks, and get ready for a Saturday in Vegas you actually won’t forget.

11. THE DRESS CODE

There is none. Where else can you wear whatever the heck you want when you run?! You want to be Spiderman? Go for it! Looking for the perfect place for your Elvis costume? This is the place to be! Have some extra tutus needing to be worn? Wear them in Vegas!

12. THE RUNNER PERKS

Look forward to exclusive participant offers on dining, entertainment, nightlife, and shows to helpamplify your race weekend— all unlocked by the wristband you receive at the Expo. You’re in Vegas, baby, so take full advantage of your weekend.

13. THE START LINE CONCERT

What other race can you get treated to a massive headliner concert from a 70-ft-long stage with 30,000 of your closest friends, BEFORE you run?!

Answer: nowhere. Get your body moving pre-race with the Vegas skyline behind you, and an awesome night ahead of you.

14. THE START LINE EXPERIENCE

The “pre-race jitters” are different here. The community is tremendous and as you cross the line, fire shoots into the sky. YES. If that kind of a start doesn’t get your feet moving, the sight of the neon lights ahead will.

15. THE COURSE

Just watch this 2017 Half Marathon Course preview video. No, you won’t be moving this fast, but you get the idea…it’s EPIC! Get a taste of all of Vegas whilerunning the courses, whether you’re running the 10K or the marathon, and see the Strip in a new light.

16. RUNNING PAST THE WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS SIGN

Your iconic Las Vegas tour starts before you hit the first mile marker as you run past the famed sign. Snap a selfie on the move, or jump into the photo area to line up the perfect shot. This is a photo opportunity of a lifetime, and really completes the Vegas experience.

17. THE COURSE ENTERTAINMENT

Local musicians and DJs lining the course with one goal in mind — to keep you pumped up from start to finish! All genres are covered, and they get into it! Vegas is the Entertainment Capitol of the World, after all, and you’re sure to feel it.

18. THE RUN THROUGH WEDDING

You’ve heard of shotgun weddings, but what about run through weddings? Keep your eyes peeled on course for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of couples tying the knot or renewing their vows ON THE RUN! Only…in…Vegas…

19. THE RUNNING ELVI

Elvis is an iconic symbol of Las Vegas, so would it be a true Vegas experience if there wasn’t a spotting? The king of rock is well-represented each year in the form of hundreds of white lycra-clad runners taking on the Strip at Night like the superstar himself. ROCK. ON.

20. RUNNING THROUGH DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

Where Las Vegas all began. Staying true to its neon roots despite incredible gentrification, the vibe & energy is amazing! Visit some of the old school characters like Vegas Vic, the friendly neon cowboy who will be cheering you on.

21. THE MIRAGE VOLCANO

Not only are you finishing in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, but the Mirage volcano is erupting just to your right for an explosive show to cheer on your final steps. If you’re lucky, your finish line photos will literally be on fire – talk about a memorable finish!

22. THE FINISH LINE

We bring the nightclub to the finish line, with lasers, lights, and tunes to celebrate your epic achievement. Your legs better not be tired yet, because there’s still dancing to be done. See it all come together here in 27 seconds!

23. THE MEDALS

Words don’t dothe Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll medalsjustice…just take a look at our 2017 medals below. Close your eyes, and imagine the feeling of crossing the finish line and being crowned with one of these like a running king or queen.

24. THE REMIX CHALLENGE

Those willing to take on the challenge of running back to back nights (Saturday 5K and Sunday marathon, ½ marathon or 10K) will be rewarded — heavily. See our 2017 Remix Challenge Medalhere.

25. WALKING AROUND LAS VEGAS WITH YOUR MEDAL(S)

Wear them loud, wear them proud, wear them wherever the heck you want! You earned it. It’s easy to incorporate these epic medals in to your wardrobe, and your accomplishments rival hitting the jackpots in the casino.

With at least 25 reasons to run the Strip at Night, what are you waiting for?